Dialogue and qualification.

A shared understanding of sustainability and comprehensive know-how regarding implementation are basic requirements for successful sustainability management in the supply chain. For this reason, we have been organizing supplier training courses in cooperation with other vehicle manufacturers for many years now.

On the basis of the sustainability standards for suppliers and our Integrity Code, we have also developed the Supplier Compliance Awareness Module . This module helps suppliers address possible integrity- and compliance-related risks. In addition, it clearly stipulates what we expect of the suppliers when it comes to integrity and provides information about legal requirements and ethical standards. The module is provided to all suppliers via the Mercedes-Benz Supplier Portal , where they can use it at any time. Suppliers can also forward this module to their business partners in the supply chain.

This module also contains provisions similar to those that can be found in the general Compliance Awareness Module  for sales partners, which was introduced in 2016 and is designed to draw their attention to current compliance requirements. Human rights constitutes one of the eleven compliance-related topics featured in this module.

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Open and constructive communication with suppliers

In the services sector, we conduct awareness-raising measures for human rights. To do so, a cross-functional team from the procurement unit meets with suppliers in “Good Practice Sharing Workshops”. This format employs an open and constructive sharing of experiences between the suppliers as well as the clear communication of our expectations towards them.